Nadal gets best of Federer

Rafael Nadal outlasted Roger Federer 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in an Australian Open semifinal Thursday night, the longtime rivals playing with the intensity normally displayed when meeting in a Grand Slam final.

The stars who met in eight Grand Slam finals were on the same side of the draw for the first time at a major since 2005.

Two weeks ago, Nadal injured his right knee and wasn't sure he'd be able to start the tournament. Now, he can barely believe he's in the final.

"If you tell me that two Sundays ago, I really cannot imagine," Nadal said. "For me, it's a dream to be back in a final of the Australian Open."

Nadal can win another championship on Sunday night when the Spanish left-hander plays the winner of today's semifinal between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Nadal, who holds a 6-2 edge in Grand Slam finals against Federer, made the key service break in the ninth game of the fourth set, making an incredible cross-court forehand winner from well behind the baseline, then watching as Federer hit a backhand wide to give Nadal a 5-4 lead.

Serving for the match, Nadal moved two points from the win when Federer sent a backhand long. He won on his second match point when Federer floated a forehand long.

Nadal won the 2009 Australian title but lost in the quarterfinals in his next two trips to Melbourne Park. Federer hasn't added to his record 16 Grand Slam titles since he won the 2010 Australian Open.

"I thought Rafa played well from start to finish," Federer said. "It was a tough match physically as well. I'm disappointed, but it's only the beginning of the season. I'm feeling all right, so it's OK."

When the often-enthralling play was suspended for 10 minutes late in the second set for an Australian Day fireworks display, Federer seemed to be affected most. Nadal led 5-2 at the time, and Federer lost his serve in the next game to give Nadal the set.

In all, the Swiss dropped 11 points in a row.

Both players were asked if they bring out the best in each other.

"I don't know if it's true … it's my assumption," Federer said. "I feel he plays really good against me. He's also got a winning record against me, which maybe gives him extra confidence. I think he has a clear plan and he follows that one very well."

That's not necessarily the case, Nadal said.

"I don't play my best tennis because it's Roger in front — I play my best tennis because I am ready to play my best tennis," Nadal said. "It's true I played a lot of good matches against him during my career … but I believe that he played a few fantastic matches against me, too."

Earlier Thursday, Maria Sharapova overcame Petra Kvitova to advance to the women's final against Victoria Azarenka.

Sharapova broke Kvitova's serve in the last game for a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory. The third-seeded Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to set up Saturday's final that will decide the No. 1 ranking.